9th October 2025
When the Lagos State Government established the Office of the Public Defender in July 2000 under the then-Governor Bola Tinubu administration, the goal was to democratise access to justice. The vision was to ensure that women, children, the poor, and other vulnerable groups could access legal representation, protection, and fair treatment under the law, irrespective of social or financial standing.
That idea, once viewed with scepticism, has matured into a model of people-centred justice that now defines the Lagos justice system. Conceived as a modest unit under the Directorate for Citizens’ Rights, it quickly grew into an autonomous agency, backed by legislation and anchored on the principle of access to justice. With its headquarters in Surulere and nine additional offices spread across the state from Ajegunle to Ajah, Ikorodu to Epe, Badagry to Agege, the BPD has brought legal aid and human rights protection closer to Lagosians.
This year’s 25th anniversary celebration of the Bureau of Public Defender was not just a ceremony, but a profound reflection on how far the state has come, what remains to be done, and why access to justice must remain the bedrock of governance.
This informed the convergence of leaders in law, governance, and advocacy at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, to not only celebrate the silver jubilee of the OPD but also reflect on the institution’s journey, its impact, and the challenges ahead. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who chaired the celebration, described the OPD as one of Lagos State’s boldest innovations in governance, noting that, for a quarter of a century, it has “defended the defenceless, given voice to the voiceless, and made justice accessible to every resident regardless of means.”
He said, “Twenty-five years ago, this state took a bold step. Today we gather not only to celebrate that vision but also to commend the women and men who have kept the flame alive.” According to the governor, since its inception, the office has recovered N815,260,993.43 and $52,884.59 in compensation and monetary claims on behalf of indigent clients. Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, revealed that in the last six years alone, BPD had handled 49,856 cases in court, winning 86 per cent of judgments, and resolved 14,606 petitions through mediation.
He stated that beyond the courtroom, more than 57,000 services had been delivered from legal advice and criminal defence to rescuing victims of abuse, protecting children in conflict with the law, and resolving employment disputes at the National Industrial Court. “These are not just statistics; they are lives touched, futures restored, and dignity reclaimed,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Sanwo-Olu noted that his administration has expanded OPD offices into more communities and prioritised access to justice under the THEMES+ Agenda. Looking ahead, he called for digital innovation, stronger partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity. “The next 25 years must build on this foundation,” he urged.
Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), in his welcome address, framed the OPD’s 25-year celebration as both a milestone and a challenge to deepen institutional capacity. He praised the foresight of those who conceived the OPD in 2000, stressing that its transformation into a Bureau earlier this year was a deliberate step to anchor it within Lagos’ justice architecture.
Pedro stated that the occasion was more than an official duty.
He said, “It is about the story of justice in Lagos State, and the promise we made and continue to make that justice must be available to all, regardless of status or circumstance.”
The AG reflected on how OPD was established on July 21, 2000, under then-Governor, now President, Bola Tinubu, with Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), as Attorney-General.
Pedro, who joined the Ministry of Justice in 1987 and rose through the ranks to become Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in 2008, said the anniversary was deeply personal.
Pedro said, “I was there at the very beginning, when the OPD was first conceived as a bold response to the urgent need to make justice accessible to every indigent and vulnerable Lagosian. To stand here today, 25 years later, and see how far this institution has come is both humbling and inspiring,” he said.
In its 25 years, the BPD has handled over 200,000 petitions, processed an average of 1,800 cases yearly, spanning criminal, civil, and family matters, recovered N815.2 m and $52,884.59, in compensation and monetary claims for clients.
“Yet, beyond statistics are the human faces of detainees freed from unlawful custody, survivors of abuse protected, workers shielded from exploitation, and families reunited. These are the real stories of transformation,” Pedro said.
He stressed that the OPD’s work affirms that justice in Lagos “is not a privilege for the wealthy, but a right for all.”
Despite its successes, the BPD has had to contend with challenges including public scepticism about free legal services, concerns over potential conflicts of interest in criminal cases, and bureaucratic bottlenecks. But the Attorney-General assured stakeholders that these issues are being addressed through reforms, digitisation of services, and strengthened partnerships.
“This anniversary is not only a celebration of the past but also a moment to reflect on the present and recommit ourselves to the future,” he said.
”The success of the BPD demonstrates the power of collaboration. The OPD’s journey over these 25 years is proof that when government, the Bar, the Bench, and civil society work together, the rule of law is strengthened, and the most vulnerable among us are protected,” he added.
The former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), who was also a former Attorney General of Lagos state, at the silver jubilee celebration, emphasised that Lagos had achieved consistency in justice-sector policy, a rarity in Nigeria.
0 Comments